He allegedly talked
Farmers Insurance into paying for a car that was trashed on the race circuit, but a YouTube video proved to be drag racer Tim Barnum’s undoing.
Barnum filed a claim for damage on his Ford Mustang in 2015, stating it was damaged when his tire blew out in a Georgia highway and hit a center barrier, which destroyed the front end of his car.
Local media outlet Oklahoma’s Own reported that Farmers cut him a check for more than $13,000 and another to Tinker Federal Credit Union worth almost $19,000 as lien holder.
However, a YouTube video of the crash that actually damaged Barnum’s car was eventually unearthed early this year. It documents the collision that took place in Thunder Valley Raceway, where Barnum was drag racing.
The towing service that picked up Barnum’s car from the track also admitted to delivering the Mustang to his pit after the crash. The bill was apparently made to “Garnum” and not “Barnum.”
The Oklahoma Attorney General’s office has since filed a criminal charge of false claim for insurance with the Oklahoma County District Court.
Barnum reportedly said he made the fraudulent claim because Farmers “didn’t ask” about his drag racing hobby. He also said he had been engaging in the sport for years and never had to file a claim. Investigators said he eventually admitted that he made the false claim because he had a hunch Farmers wouldn’t cover the damage.
He surrendered to the authorities but eventually posted bail.
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